Easy does it is the key to this swim. I stayed to the right about 25 yards off the "line" and had no trouble with the swim and getting kicked. So what if I swam an extra .1 or .2 in distance...it was well worth the relaxed pace and easy time with the swim.

Swim a bit faster and try to draft. I kept trying to draft but it just wasn't working well for me. I swam by myself pretty much the whole way.

I changed into cycling clothes and forgot to put a towel in my bag. So I got my sports bra stuck and had to have a helper pull it down, but the tent was so crowded, I had to wait for help.

Add towel to T1 bag.

Tough course. 2nd lap mile 80-101 was darkest moment. Found that special something at mile 101 and rode in to town with a big smile! Thank god for granny gears!

better prepared for bike course. More long distance training.

well, this is a full serve transition. I saw my friend in the changing tent and she took good care of me. This transition was a bit long because we were chatting a bit.

faster.

Fans were great and desperately needed. I really enjoyed myself on the run. I ran well until mile 14 when my IT bands went bye bye on me. I was walking the aid stations and hills at that point. I walked miles 19-21. When the sun went down it got pretty cold, very quickly so I started running again and ran into the stadium with the huge crowd. I was so excited, this really was an amazing experience.

run more and faster. Drink another red bull at 13.1.

none


well, this was my first Ironman and I'd say lack of experience limited my ability. But I really didn't feel limited. I had a great day and an amazing time. I'll be back for another!